Viera Voice, August 2024

Viera Voice's ViVo the sandhill crane, center, cheers on local school

School's Mohawk, Pinecrest Academy Space Coast's

new school year. Quest Elementary's explorer, right,

Hirst family establishes solid roots in Viera

BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN

The smell of freshly baked sourdough bread wafts through the home of Stephen and Ashley Hirst as their children, Savannah, 5, Harrison, 3, and Ellison, 15 months, play enthusiastically with their colorful toys on the rug in their living room.

Savannah is entering first grade and is partially in-school and partially homeschooled. Harrison will start school this year, and Ellison tries to keep up with her adoring older siblings.

Stephen and Ashley Hirst both have engineering degrees from the University of Central Florida. Stephen’s interest in engineering began in his childhood when he enjoyed learning about the military and pretending to be a plane on the playground. Ashley’s dream job is being a stayat-home mom. She grew up with two engineer parents and knew that she wanted to do something challenging, get a good degree, work for a while, then be a mom.

“I always knew that I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom,” Ashley Hirst said.

The couple met while studying at the University of Central Florida. Stephen, a senior at the time, was planning to move to Colorado after graduation but decided to stay in Florida once he started

— Stephen Hirst

dating Ashley, a sophomore.

“It was a real cheesy story,” Stephen Hirst said.

After college, Stephen found more and more job opportunities opening up for him as an aerospace engineer on the Space Coast, and Ashley did technical marketing in sales and loved it.

“Hopefully, I’ll get back into it later, once the kids are older,” Ashley Hirst said.

After getting married, the Florida-native couple moved to Titusville for two years and considered moving out of the state. However, after volunteering for the Special Olympics at Viera High School and eating lunch at The Avenue, Stephen and Ashley knew they wanted to live in Viera. The couple bought their current house nine years ago, expecting it to be a “five-year house.” Now, they plan to stay for a lot longer.

“I love having more solid roots here,” Ashley said.

Stephen grew up in the same house, but Ashley moved 18 times as a child due to her dad’s job.

The Hirst family’s

Featured Family

favorite activities are going to Route 7 Adrenaline Warehouse, spending time

outside at local sanctuaries and parks, going to the zoo, local museums, the pool and more. Their family priorities are their faith in God and spending time together.

They have found a great community at church.

“It’s a simple life, but with that comes intentionality and a very focused living,”

Stephen Hirst said.

The Hirst family wants to encourage newcomers to get involved in the family aspect of Viera and “take a chance in loving their neighbor.”

“Viera means faith, and that’s what built this place,” Stephen Hirst said. VV

VIERA VOICE C ameron Countryman

Stephen and Ashley Hirst's priorities are faith in God and spending time together.

Viera Hospital assumes labor of love

BY LINDA JUMP

This month, Viera Hospital officially opens its fifth-floor labor and delivery unit, moved from Cape Canaveral Hospital to meet Viera’s ever-expanding population.

Volume 16, Issue 7

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“When Viera Hospital was built in 2011, we already had a solid vision of what the future growth of this area would look like over the course of 15 to 20 years. We're excited and honored to provide new and expanded services to meet the needs of our growing community,” said Dustin Boring, the hospital administrator. The first birth is expected to occur Aug. 21.

The $11 million project includes 14 private suites where women can labor and deliver, then keep their newborns close, two obstetrical operating rooms with specialized lighting, a family waiting area, nursing station, pharmacy and a small viewing nursery. The unit takes up half of the hospital’s top floor, which had been used for storage. Boring said the rest of the floor will be renovated in the future to add 20 acute care beds. Currently, the hospital has 84 beds.

Plans call for the last birth at Cape Canaveral Hospital to occur Aug. 15. Labor and delivery services will shift to Holmes Regional for five days while equipment and

“When Viera Hospital was built in 2011, we already had a solid vision of what the future growth of this area would look like over the course of 15 to 20 years.”

— Dustin Boring, Viera Hospital Administrator

personnel move to Viera Hospital, and “mock codes and drills” are practiced.

Beginning Aug. 21, women can deliver at Viera Hospital. A new office behind the hospital on Vidina Drive will house three obstetrical physicians, two midwives

and staff from the current Cape Canaveral offices, which will also remain open.

An open house to allow the public to see the new facility will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 15.

Dr. Vanessa Dance, the Health First OB/

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GYN and president of the Perinatology Committee, has been delivering babies at Cape Canaveral for 20 years.

“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our new labor and delivery unit at Viera Hospital. Our state-of-theart facility is equipped with the latest technology and amenities to provide the best care for expectant mothers and their newborns.” Dance said.

“We are ecstatic to be able to serve the Brevard County community and look forward to welcoming families with open arms. We hope our community will join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter in our hospital's history as we continue to provide exceptional care for generations to come.”

No immediate changes are expected to the obstetrical or neonatal

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Viera Hospital's new labor and delivery unit on the fifth floor will include 14 private suites, two obstetrical operating rooms, nursing station, pharmacy and a viewing nursery.

Dr. Vanessa Dance

One Viera/Suntree group organizes to solve problems,

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Community leaders attended an organizational meeting for a work group committed to fostering and coordinating cooperation between Viera and Suntree residents, businesses, schools, law enforcement and other organizations.

Matt Susin, a Brevard County School Board member for District 4, oversaw the July 16 meeting of One Viera/ Suntree at the new Viera Middle School, which opens Aug. 12.

“It became apparent after a couple of these meetings that there was more of a scope that we could build this into” that focuses on solving problems in the VieraSuntree area, Susin said.

During the meeting, Susin identified three initial issues for the group to discuss: devising ways to support schools and make local teachers feel more appreciated; increasing student internships and finding jobs and internships for disabled students after they graduate from high school; and making students aware of mission work and volunteer opportunities at local churches and other faith-based organizations.

One example of boosting local support for schools would be to connect with businesses or organizations with big conference rooms in Viera that can accommodate larger groups, said Courtney Taylor, the school secretary for Manatee Elementary School.

“We have a staff of about 108 and a school with nearly 900 students, so facilitating anything for groups that size becomes very difficult,” Taylor said.

Susin suggested that business owners also could show support for elementary, middle and high school students by being guest

speakers and mentors. A contact list is being created as is a calendar of events at elementary schools so people are aware of school activities and have an opportunity to participate, he noted.

Susin praised Health First for finding jobs for so many disabled students and hoped to use the community health system’s program as a model to inspire other county industries to do the same.

“We have over a 90 to 95 percent success rate of getting students hired,” said Mitchell Brown of Health First’s Project SEARCH, a vocational training and employment program that matches the abilities of disabled people to real jobs, then provides support and training needed for both the employee and employer, at no cost.

Regarding proposed efforts to connect students with churches that need volunteer help, Anita Unrath of Advent Lutheran Church, at 7550 N. Wickham Road, said the church’s food pantry is in “desperate” need of students to help pack and distribute food to the needy from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday afternoons.

“There are many, many, many cars that come and sit outside for hours,” said Unrath, who added that volunteers can also help on other days by stocking the pantry.

John Rusch, the vice principal at Viera High School, said food pantry work would be a perfect opportunity for VHS students who need volunteer hours for Bright Futures scholarships, and Exceptional Education students in the school’s B.L.A.S.T. program.

“I have 2,300 kids who need volunteer hours for Bright Futures,” Rusch said. “Bright Futures hours are a key component to some of our kids getting college paid for.” VV

BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN

Spotted at football games and other sporting events, Viera High School’s mascot, Mohawk the hawk, is well known around town. However, do not forget Viera’s many other mascots, of which there are enough for a small zoo. That zoo’s aviary would hold Viera Middle School’s great-horned owl, Viera Elementary School’s Felix the falcon, Viera High School’s Mohawk, Viera Voice’s Vivo the sandhill crane and the first school in Viera, Ralph Williams Elementary, with the crane,

the oldest bird in the aviary.

Then there are panthers such as Viera Charter School’s Bluey, Suntree Elementary School’s Shadow and Pinecrest Academy’s Pedro lounging in their enclosure while Manatee Elementary’s Manny the manatee swims happily in the aquarium. Quest Elementary School’s Quest Explorer strolls around the zoo, admiring the animals.

This May, Manny the manatee debuted at a school softball game to the elation of the students.

“Students absolutely loved Manny and everyone wanted to take a picture with him,” Manatee

Elementary’s Principal Shannon Daly said. Manny will now be at any Manatee family events, successfully fulfilling his job as a mascot by exciting and uniting students.

All of the animals in Viera’s mascot zoo promote school spirit and give the schools an identity. A single animal represents all the alumni, staff and current student body of a school. So, instead of just one hawk in the aviary, there are really thousands of hawks. Thousands of panthers play together and thousands of manatees swim in the aquarium. VV

Best-selling author helps Brevard Humane Society with benefit

BY JILL BLUE

Football season is approaching and David Rosenfelt hopes that he doesn’t have to write another one of his popular mystery novels until after the Super Bowl is played in February.

The native of Paterson, New Jersey likes to take a break each fall.

After writing “Dog Day Afternoon,” he likely will have time to watch football and hang out in his living room with the 27 or so rescue dogs that surround him in his northern New England home.

Approximately 14 years ago, Rosenfelt and his wife created the Tara Foundation. The dog rescue group was named in honor of their beloved Golden Retriever, Tara. Since then, they have rescued almost 4,000 dogs. Some of those dogs were too old to be adopted, leaving the Rosenfelts with a lot of dogs in their household.

On July 11, Rosenfelt spoke at a benefit for the Brevard Humane Society at 1020 Cox Road in Cocoa. The

facility is undergoing a major renovation. The stop also was part of Rosenfelt’s book tour to promote “Dog Day Afternoon.”

Most of Rosenfelt’s more than 40 books focus on the courtroom adventures of Andy Carpenter, a retired Paterson, New Jersey attorney who would prefer to devote more time to his foundation to help homeless dogs. His prowess as an attorney finds him drawn back into the legal field on a consistent basis.

“I like the humor and the courtroom stuff (of my books),’’ Rosenfelt said at the Cocoa gathering. “What I really love is when it’s done and it comes out and it has a life of its own.’’ This leads to contract offers for new books, which leads to more money to

support the Tara Foundation.

“I keep doing it, but I hate it,’’ Rosenfelt quipped. “People are nice, so if they don’t like a (book) they don’t write. When a book comes out, I probably get 1,000 emails. Roughly 998 are telling me how great I am.’’ Publishers like successful authors.

“Every two years, they come to me with a four-book deal or a six-book deal,’’ Rosenfelt said. “Every year before they do that, I decide that I’m not going to do that. Then, I get the contract and I look at it. It takes me four weeks to write one book, so it takes me eight weeks to write two. Therefore, I don’t have to write through the football season. Every time a book comes out, the previous books get a bump.

“People read it and like it. They go back and buy earlier

books. So, it seems silly not to do it. I’m exaggerating how much I hate it. Writing is so easy for me.’’

Rosenfelt’s success as an author is comparable to the success of his fictional attorney, Carpenter. They both would prefer to be handing out dog biscuits to dogs in the privacy of their living room or back yard. Yet, the real world needs them from time to time. Rosenfelt studied at New York University. Through the help of his uncle, the president of United Artists, he climbed the corporate ladder to eventually become the president of marketing for Tri-Star Pictures. After writing a few scripts for feature films and TV movies, Rosenfelt found his niche with Carpenter and the mystery novels. VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Author David Rosenfelt spoke at a benefit for the Brevard Humane Society, which is undergoing a renovation.

Clifton,

TIRED OF PAIN? DISCOVER A PROVEN PATH TO WELLNESS

A r e y o u t i r e d o f l i v i n g w i t h c h r o n i c

p a i n a n d c o m p l e x c o n d i t i o n s t h a t

s e e m t o h a v e n o s o l u t i o n ?

I f y o u ' v e t r i e d e v e r y t h i n g a n d a r e s t i l l s u f f e r i n g , i t m i g h t b e t i m e t o c o n s i d e r

a n a l t e r n a t i v e t h a t h a s w o r k e d f o r

m a n y o t h e r S p a c e C o a s t r e s i d e n t s D r

A n d r e a I z q u i e r d o , L A c , o f B o d h i

T r a d i t i o n a l C h i n e s e M e d i c i n e

A c u p u n c t u r e , o f f e r s a c o m p a s s i o n a t e

a n d e f f e c t i v e a p p r o a c h t o h e a l i n g

I m a g i n e w a k i n g u p e v e r y m o rn i n g

w i t h o u t t h e n a g g i n g p a i n t h a t h a s

b e e n a c o n s t a n t p a r t o f y o u r l i f e

P i c t u r e y o u r s e l f e n g a g i n g i n a c t i v i t i e s ,

f r e e f r o m t h e c o n s t r a i n t s o f c h r o n i c

d i s c o m f o r t H a v i n g m o r e e n e r g y ,

s l e e p i n g b e t t e r , a n d b e i n g a b l e t o

e n j o y y o u r d a y - t o - d a y l i f e I n s t e a d o f

l i v i n g w i t h t h e t h o u g h t t h a t “ p a i n i s

p a r t o f g e t t i n g o l d e r ” a n d “ y o u j u s t

h a v e t o d e a l w i t h i t ” T h i s i s w h a t D r

A n d r e a ’ s t r e a t m e n t s c a n h e l p y o u

a c h i e ve , a s m a n y o f h e r p a t i e n t s c a n

a t t e s t . K a t h y K o f M e l b o u r n e s h a r e s :

“ M y l e f t k n e e w a s i n s u c h b a d s h a p e

t h a t I c o u l d h a r d l y w a l k u p t h e s t e p s t o

D r . A n d r e a ' s o f f i c e . I n e e d e d a n

e l e v a t o r . N o w I f e e l g r e a t , I a m w a l k i n g !

T h e w a y s h e m i x e s h e r d i f f e r e n t

t h e r a p i e s h a s b e e n o u t s t a n d i n g t o m e ”

D r A n d r e a ' s j o u r n e y i n t o h e a l t h w a s

d e e p l y p e r s o n a l S h e s u f f e r e d f r o m

G a s t r o E s o p h a g e a l R e f l u x D i s e a s e

( G E R D ) f o r m a n y y e a r s , f r o m h i g h

s c h o o l t o h e r p r e - m e d y e a r s i n

c o l l e g e , e x p e r i e n c i n g s e v e r e a c i d

r e f l u x s e v e r a l d a y s a w e e k T h e

i n t e n s e d i s c o m f o r t o f t e n p r e v e n t e d

h e r f r o m a t t e n d i n g c l a s s e s T r a d i t i o n a l

t r e a t m e n t s f a i l e d t o p r o v i d e t h e r e l i e f

s h e d e s p e r a t e l y n e e d e d I t w a s n ' t

u n t i l s h e d i s c o v e r e d a c u p u n c t u r e t h a t

s h e f o u n d l a s t i n g r e l i e f , l e a d i n g h e r t o

p i v o t f r o m h e r W e s t e r n m e d i c i n e

e d u c a t i o n t o a c a r e e r i n t r a d i t i o n a l

Ch i n e s e m e d i c i n e

" I u n d e r s t a n d m y p a t i e n t s ' p a i n a n d

f r u s t r a t i o n b e c a u s e I ' v e e x p e r i e n c e d i t

m y s e l f T h i s j o u r n e y d r i v e s m y m i s s i o n

t o d e v e l o p e f f e c t i v e p r o t o c o l s f o r

s e e m i n g l y h o p e l e s s c o n d i t i o n s

N o t h i n g b r i n g s m e m o r e j o y t h a n

s e e i n g m y p a t i e n t s t r a n s f o r m a n d

r e t u r n t o d o i n g w h a t t h e y l o v e . "

T h e m a j o r i t y o f p e o p l e w h o c o m e t o

B o d h i T C M h a v e a l r e a d y t r i e d

c o u n t l e s s d o c t o r s a n d s p e c i a l i s t s , h a v e h a d s u r g e r i es , a n d y e t h a v e

f o u n d n o l a s t i n g r e l i e f . S u c h w a s t h e

c a s e f o r l o c a l M e l b o u r n e r e s i d e n t

I l e n e G , w h o s u f f e r e d f r o m

u n e x p l a i n e d f o o t s w e l l i n g . A s a

p r e v i o u s a t h l e t e , s h e w a s d e s p e r a t e t o

f i n d r e l i e f a n d w a s t i r e d o f f i n d i n g n o

s o l u t i o n s

I h a d s e e n m a n y d o c t o r s a b o u t m y f o o t

f o r f o u r y e a r s , i n c l u d i n g v a s c u l a r

s u r g e o n s , o r t h o p e d i c s u r g e o n s , a n d f o o t

s p e c i a l i s t s N o o n e c o u l d f i x i t B u t a f t e r

r e a d i n g a n a r t i c l e a b o u t D r . A n d r e a , I

d e c i d e d t o s e e h e r I f o l l o w e d h e r

r e c o m m e n d a t i o n f o r t r e a t m e n t a n d n o w , I

c a n w a l k w i t h o u t s w e l l i n g o r t e n s i o n i n m y l i g a m e n t s . S h e i s t h e o n l y o n e w h o

c o u l d h e l p m e I h a v e a l r e a d y s u n g h e r p r a i s e s t o m a n y p e o p le . ”

W h a t i f y o u c o n t i n u e d o w n t h e s a m e

p a t h , h o p i n g f o r a d i f f e r e n t r e s u l t b u t

f i n d i n g o n l y m o r e p a i n a n d f r u s t r a t i o n ?

T h e c o n s e q u e n c e s o f n o t s e e k i n g a n

e f f e c t i v e s o l u t i o n c a n b e d i r e . C h r o n i c

p a i n c a n w o r s e n o v e r t i m e , l e a d i n g t o

i n c r e a s e d d i s c o m f o r t a n d r e d u c e d

m o b i l i t y V a l e r i e M o f M e l b o u r n e s h a r e s :

" I h a d s e v e r e s h o u l d e r a n d n e c k p a i n

f o r a l o n g t i m e I t r i e d p h y s i c a l t h e r a p y ,

s h o t s , a n d s t e r o i d s , b u t n o t h i n g

w o r k e d A f t e r o n e s e s s i o n w i t h D r

A n d r e a , I f e l t s o m u c h r e l i e f t h a t I f e l l

a s l e e p I c o n t i n u e d w i t h t r e a t m e n t a n d

n o w , m y s h o u l d e r , a r m s , a n d k n e e s

f e e l s o m u c h b e t t e r I a m g r a t e f u l I

f o u n d h e r . "

E v e r y d a y y o u d e l a y s e e k i n g

t r e a t m e n t i s a n o t h e r d a y s p e n t i n

u n n e c e s s a r y p a i n . T h e l o n g e r y o u

w a i t , t h e m o r e e n t r e n c h e d y o u r

c o n d i t i o n c a n b e c o m e , m a k i n g i t

h a r d e r t o t r e a t F o r c h r o n i c c o n d i t i o n s ,

t i m e i s o f t h e e s s e n c e . W h y w a i t y e a r s

f o r a p o t e n t i a l s o l u t i o n w h e n y o u c a n

s t a r t f e e l i n g b e t t e r i n a m a t t e r o f

w e e k s ? S h e r K o f M e l b o u r n e s h a r e s :

" A f t e r t h r e e d a y s o f s e v e r e b a c k p a i n , I

w a s r e a d y t o g o t o t h e E R I c o u l d n ' t

s i t , s t a n d , o r l i e d o w n w i t h o u t p a i n .

L u c k i l y , I g o t a l a s t - m i n u t e

a p p o i n t m e n t w i t h D r . A n d r e a . W i t h h e r c o u r s e o f t r e a t m e n t , I f e l t

s i g n i f i c a n t r e l i e f . M y b a c k i s s t r o n g e r

t h a n e v e r , a n d e v e n m y s h o u l d e r p a i n a n d f o o t t i n g l i n g h a v e i m p r o v e d . I

h i g h l y r e c o m m e n d a n y o n e i n p a i n t o s e e h e r . "

C o n t i n u i n g t o l i v e i n p a i n i s n o t o n l y

f r u s t r a t i n g b u t a l s o c o s t l y T h e t i m e a n d

t h e e m o t i o n a l t o l l o f o n g o i n g p a i n a d d s

u p D r A n d r e a ' s c o m p r e h e n s i v e

t r e a t m e n t p r o t o c o l s a r e t a i l o r e d f o r

e a c h p a t i e n t s ’ c o n d i t i o n a n d h e a l t h

g o a l s , b l e n d i n g a n c i e n t k n o w l e d g e

w i t h m o d e r n b i o e l e c t r i c t h e r a p i e s t o

p r o v i d e a n o n - i n v a s i v e , e a s i e r , e f f e c t i v e

p a t h t o r e l i e f

J o i n t h e m a n y p a t i e n t s w h o h a v e

f o u n d r e a l r e l i e f a n d a b e t t e r q u a l i t y

o f l i f e . S c a n t h e Q R c o d e b e l o w t o s e e

v i d e o s o f s u c c e s s s t o r i e s f r o m o t h e r

S p a c e C o a s t r e s i d e n t s .

w w w b o d h i t c m c o m

I t ' s t i m e t o t a k e c o n t r o l o f y o u r h e a l t h

a n d w e l l - b e i n g . S c h e d u l e a

c o n s u l t a t i o n t o d a y a n d d i s c o v e r h o w

w e c a n h e l p y o u o v e r c o m e p a i n , h e l p

y o u f e e l b e t t e r a n d r e s t o r e y o u r

h e a l t h !

SPORTS

Viera’s Beigh has passion for volleyball and power in her swing

BY CARL KOTALA

Four years ago, Haley Beigh made her first impression on Viera High School volleyball coach Sarah Wayne.

And it was a big one.

“True story, Haley showed up to freshmen tryouts when she was an incoming ninth grader and I didn’t even see it — I just heard the ball she hit from across the gym,” Wayne wrote in an email.

“I immediately asked her to call her parents to see if she could stay for the varsity tryout later that night.”

Not only did Beigh (pronounced “beak”) make the Viera High varsity team that season, she started as an opposite hitter on a Hawks team that was just beginning an incredible three-year run that has produced three consecutive district championships, three straight regional titles and two appearances in the Class 6A state championship game.

Beigh and Mallory Merz — who was a sophomore when it all started — are the only two Hawks who have played on all three of those teams. But with Merz having moved on to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Beigh has a chance to do something no other Viera player has ever accomplished — doing it all again for a fourth time.

“I don’t know how far we’ll go this year, but I would love to make it as far as we can,” Beigh said. “We have such amazing talent. I don’t know who’s going to walk through the door at tryouts, but I really want to push for states again.

“I’ve seen who’s in our region and I really hope we can make it back to the state finals this year. That would be a dream come true for me, to

make it to the final four and go on to win states for my high school career. That would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.”

After graduating seven seniors off last year’s team that reached the state final, Viera will certainly have its work cut out for it this season if the Hawks are going to fourpeat.

That’s where having someone with Beigh’s experience, leadership and that powerful left-handed shot will be crucial.

“Her dynamic left arm swing makes her such a valuable asset to have for any team to complete an offense,”

Wayne wrote. “I will also rely on her serving and defense for her senior year as well.”

Beigh, who was third on the Hawks last year with 240 kills, has a number of things she would like to pass on to

the younger players before her time at Viera is over.

She remembers how welcoming the older players were when she was just a freshman and how tight the players became throughout the season. She remembers finding her voice on the court as she grew into the kind of player and leader she is today.

To be a Hawk is also about being mentally strong, never giving up and always striving for more.

“I think we should continue to hold that to a standard no matter who’s on the team,” she said. “I definitely don’t want people to feel like, ‘Oh, that’s the best we could do.’ I remember Coach Wayne being like, ‘Yeah, we made it to the final four, but … that’s the final four. This is a new season. Let’s see how much further we can go.’

“I definitely want to keep

that mentality for the younger classes. That will be my goal, to have them believe that that is the standard. There can always be something better that we should be able to achieve.”

Volleyball has been a big part of Beigh’s life since she fell in love with the sport in third grade. It’s taught her a number of life lessons and she said she feels lucky to have played for as long as she has.

And she’s not done yet.

While Beigh is eager to introduce the Viera volleyball culture to the younger Hawks coming into the program,

she is also looking to find the right college where she can continue growing both on and off the court.

“The culture on the team the whole three years that I’ve been on it so far has been amazing,” Beigh said. “Even now, as I’m looking at colleges, I’m looking to find a team that’s just like the team that we have, experience wise. It’s not just (about) skill. The connections I had … I’m looking for that because it was just so amazing.

“It impressed me so much that it’s something I want to keep in my life.” VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Joe Kemer/PlayOn Highlights

Viera senior Haley Beigh has a chance to be the first player in program history to win four straight district titles, four regional championships and appear in four straight state finals.

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Keith could see time at receiver and safety for Hawks this season

BY CARL KOTALA

There’s nothing Cooper Keith won’t do to help the Viera Hawks be a successful football team this season.

Need help at wide receiver? Sure, he’ll play both ways.

Need him to move from cornerback to safety at times to help the defense? You got it.

“He’ll do anything we ask him to do,” Viera football coach Tony Gulla said of his senior co-captain. “He really stepped up to the challenge. When (defensive coordinator) Coach (Christian) Fuller mentioned him moving to safety, he said, ‘Coach, whatever you need me to do.’ He embraced it.”

Players like that are what every team needs to succeed. And fortunately for Gulla and his staff, the Hawks have a number of them this year.

“We’re definitely a player-led team right now,” Gulla said. “They learned last year how to be leaders.”

No one embodies that philosophy more than Keith, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound senior who has been making a name for himself at cornerback during the past several years.

After leading the Hawks with three interceptions as a sophomore, he had two more as a junior to go along with six pass breakups and a forced fumble.

Since then, he has been working hard as he prepares to take on the new challenges he will face this season.

“He’s made tremendous improvements in all aspects of everything you need to do as a football player — strength, speed and football IQ,” Gulla said.

Having previously played wide receiver before switching to defense, Keith believes his experience on both sides of the ball will help him as he and fellow defensive backs Nnamdi Osuorah and Robbie Aehle all prepare to see time on offense.

“It helps a lot,” Keith said. “I’ve learned a lot about what receivers are thinking, and I know what DBs are thinking, so whatever side of the ball I’m on, I have an advantage.”

While moving from corner to safety will certainly help the Hawks this season, it could also be a boost for Keith down the road as he projects to be a safety at the college level.

“Wherever I’m put at, I’ll work that position and play as hard as I can,” he said. “But I like safety a lot.

“I can see myself at the next level playing free safety, so I’d rather start transitioning to that now, but still playing some corner.”

The position switch has given Keith much more responsibility in terms of how he sees the field.

As a corner, he concentrated mainly on his side and trying to shut down the opposing wide receiver he was working against. Now, he has to see the entire field while also learning all the defensive hand signals and studying more of the opponent’s overall offensive scheme, trying to figure out how it might attack the Viera defense and what can be done to stop it.

“As a safety, I’ve got to make sure everyone’s in their spots and echo the coverage to everybody, make sure they know the coverage and that everybody is aligned (properly). I like to do that. I like leading on the field.”

With senior captains such as Keith, tight end/H-back Jack Hancock, defensive end Isaac Hungerbuhler and junior linebacker James Olson leading the team this season, Gulla is very high on Viera’s leadership this season … and for good reason.

It’s an experienced group that has been through a lot together, particularly during the past year.

Keith is a two-sport athlete for the Hawks, playing guard on the Viera High basketball team for his father, Logan Keith, who helped teach him the team-first philosophy.

“He’s taught me to adjust to any situation to help the team,” Keith said of his father.

Though he has played both sports throughout his life, Keith said he made the decision to focus more on football in the period between his freshman

VIERA FOOTBALL

Continued on page 11

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Nichole Aehle

Viera senior Cooper Keith (No. 7) has been one of Viera's top cornerbacks. This year, in order to do what's best for the team, he will also see time at wide receiver and safety.

Paid by Debbie Mayfield, Republican, for State House, District 32.

FOOTBALL

Continued from page 10

and sophomore season

That’s about the same time he made the switch from playing wide receiver to cornerback and found his calling on the defensive side of the ball.

With nearly the entire unit returning this season, the Hawks should be very strong

on defense as they attempt to improve on last year’s 5-4 record.

Viera will be attempting to get back to the playoffs for what would be the first time since the 2021 season.

“I think we can be really good,” Keith said. “Our defense is really good. Coach Gulla has got the offense working really well. I think we’ll shut out a lot of teams.”

Seven of Viera’s ten opponents made playoffs last year

BY CARL KOTALA

It’s OK to ask Viera High School football coach Tony Gulla to find the easy games on his upcoming 2024 schedule.

Just don’t expect him to come up with any.

“We don’t have any easy games,” the Hawks coach said.

With a defense that will be loaded with experienced returners, but an offense that will have question marks after quarterback Chase Cromartie moved to Georgia during the summer, the Hawks will face a little uncertainty in the beginning of the season as Viera looks to see what an offense led by Eric Nelson will look like.

Of the 10 teams on Viera’s regular-season schedule, seven of them made the playoffs last year. The good news is that five of Viera’s first six games are at home.

The first glimpse fans will get of how this year’s team will look is set for Aug. 16, when the Hawks are scheduled to host Palm Bay in the Kickoff Classic.

The first glimpse fans will get of how this year’s team will look is set for Aug. 16, ... the Kickoff Classic.

That game is being billed as an alumni game with Viera facing off against former offensive coordinator Mike Degory, who now holds the same position with the Pirates. Degory starred at center years ago for both Palm Bay High and the University of Florida.

Viera’s opening game is set for Aug. 23 against visiting Fort Pierce Central, which should be much better than last year’s 2-8 record would indicate.

From there, the Hawks will welcome rival Satellite on Aug. 30, followed by Viera’s first road game against the Rockledge Raiders and another home game against a revitalized Titusville program coming off a 10-2 season.

Tohopekaliga is next up on the schedule for the Hawks on Sept. 20, with back-to-back road games at Melbourne Central Catholic

and Spruce Creek after that.

With Class 6A, District 5 now being only a three-team district following St. Cloud’s jump to 7A, the Hawks don’t face a district opponent until Week 8 on Oct. 11. However, that opponent will be Kissimmee Osceola, which is traditionally one of the better teams in Central Florida.

After getting a bye, Viera will face another district opponent, this time on the road. Melbourne is coming off a 2-8 season, but recently got four transfers from Bayside and should be improved.

The regular season is scheduled to conclude Nov. 1 with a game at Merritt Island.

“We’ll see how it goes,” Gulla said. “We don’t know exactly what we’ve got going into Palm Bay. We’ll use the Kickoff Classic as an indicator of where we are and take it from there.” VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Nichole Aehle

Viera senior Cooper Keith has been one of Viera's top cornerbacks. This year, Keith will also see time at wide receiver and safety.

at Viera.

Viera’s Smith named to USA Softball’s 12U Southeast Region team

BY CARL KOTALA

There isn’t a day that goes by when 12-year-old Bella Smith doesn’t think about the adventure that awaits her, or her journey to get there.

“I think it’s kind of crazy,” Smith said. “When I think about it, I think about how hard I worked to get here. It’s still kind of crazy to me that I made it. But I still have to keep working.”

Smith, who used to play softball in the Viera/ Suntree Little League, is one of 15 players from the state of Florida who have been selected to play for the USA Softball 12U Southeast Region team known as Freedom.

She is heading to Oklahoma City to play in a four-day tournament against 23 other teams from regions across the country from Aug. 8 through 11.

Now a member of the Firecrackers 14U travel ball team based out of Viera, Smith is one of three players from her team to be selected to

play in the tournament. The others are Alee Gomez of West Melbourne and Addison Fuster of Port Orange.

Smith said she got the idea to try out for the USA softball team after learning that a friend had tried out last season and, unfortunately, didn’t make it.

“It sounded interesting because one of my goals when I get past college is to play for the Olympic softball team,” Smith said. “I thought this could be a stepping stone to help me get there.”

With that in mind, Smith came up with a 12-month plan to work on getting stronger, learning to barrel up the ball more at the plate and also improve her mental game.

“She made it her goal and she just worked her tail off this past year, going to the gym, starting to work out and getting prepared for trying to make the team,” her father and Firecrackers coach, Dan Smith, said. “… She’s a hard worker. It just gave her a way to keep pushing herself.”

Despite all her hard work, Smith knew making the team wasn’t a given.

After taking part in an open workout in Lakeland, Smith was invited to an individual tryout in Fort Myers where she did enough to impress the coaches.

“I was proud of her for making that goal, trying to reach for it and knowing that, hey, it’s OK not to make it at the end of the day as long as she tried to do everything she could these past 12 months,”

“She was blessed and was able to have a good day.”

With the tournament now days away, Bella Smith can’t wait to get to Oklahoma City.

“I’m really excited,” she said. “I think about it every day.” VV

Robinson steps down as Viera's boys soccer coach, takes top job at Tech

BY CARL KOTALA

He built the Viera High School boys soccer program into one of the best Brevard County has seen.

That’s why it was so hard for Nick Robinson to walk away. The Hawks coach announced he was stepping down after moving from assistant coach to head coach at Florida Tech.

“Stepping away from the boys soccer program at Viera was ultimately a very difficult

decision to make,” Robinson said. “The program has been a very special part of my life for a decade. However, my primary focus moving forward is giving more time toward my young family and Florida Tech, which were ultimately the two biggest factors.

“At this point in time, I don’t feel like I’m in a place to give the amount of effort, time and energy that is required to continue the standards of success needed at Viera that

we have come to demand of each other within the boys soccer program.

“As a coach, you want to make sure that when your time is up and you can take time to reflect, you can accept and embrace that you have given everything you have to the players and the program; and I do feel like I have done that.

“The energy, the commitment, the resilience, the effort that I demanded from the players has to start from the top. However, the unfortunate part is the realization of not being able to give that same energy necessary anymore.”

Robinson leaves Viera with an overall record of 132-27-11 during his nine seasons. But it’s what the Hawks have done the past four years that make his time so special. Viera won three district titles and became the only county program to win

four consecutive regional championships. The Hawks have appeared in three consecutive state title games, winning the Class 6A crown in 2023 when Viera went 21-0-1.

Since December 2018, the Hawks are 54-0-3 at home.

“I have known Nick since my freshman year and he has been nothing but a great coach and mentor to me,” recently graduated goalkeeper Alvey Kaufman wrote in a text message.

“Ever since day one, he gave me an opportunity to prove

myself and always believed in me. I will always be grateful for that.

“It’s sad to see him end his career at Viera, but it’s an honor to say that I got to be part of his last season there and be part of some of the things he accomplished there. He always got the most out of each of his players at all times. I wish him nothing but the best at Florida Tech and can’t wait to see what else he can accomplish in his coaching career.”

The memories Robinson and the Hawks created are endless.

“It’s been an unbelievable journey with a lot of incredible players and people who thoroughly gave everything to the program,” he said. “This is the part for me that I enjoyed the most. Many talk the talk, but very few actually back it up with their actions.” VV

Dan Smith said.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Jen Smith

Bella Smith, who plays on the Viera-based Firecrackers 14U travel ball softball team, is one of 15 girls from the state of Florida to be selected to the USA Softball 12U Southeast Region team. She will travel to Oklahoma City for a tournament this month.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Jennifer Rincones Nick Robinson has decided to step down as Viera High's boys soccer coach after nine seasons. Robinson was recently elevated from assistant to head men's soccer coach at Florida Tech.

The Birth Suites at Viera Hospital Opening August 21, 2024.

With many young families settling in the area, we are excited to announce the opening of The Birth Suites at Viera Hospital along with the Health First Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology office , located near our Viera Hospital campus at 2325 Vidina Drive.

To learn more, visit hf.org/vierabirthsuites

Sassy Saturday Sassy

Women’s Scavenger Hunt Golf AT VIERA EAST GOLF COURSE

August 17 August 17 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

9-holes of golf plus Scavenger Hunt Fun with beverages all for

Dining Out & Events

AUG. 6

Introduction to Drones 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Learn how to fly a CoDrone in a one-on-one session and earn a certificate upon completion of a drone obstacle course.

Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104

AUG. 7

Battle of Brevard Fun Run

6:30 – 8 p.m. Presented by Space Coast Runners.

Awards given to the town/city with the most participants.

Cocoa Village 4 Harrison Street Cocoa, spaceocastrunners.org

AUG. 10

Neil Diamond Tribute 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Featuring David Jericho. Moose Lidge 3150 N. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, 321-452-9061

Healing Energy, The Mind Body Link: A Spirit Filled Journey Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Presented by Dr. Mary Jane Ward.

Cocoa Beach Library

550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104

AUG. 14

John Rogers, a medium 5:45 – 7:45 p.m.

Brief readings will follow the presentation.

Cocoa Beach Library

550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104

Senior Art Therapy, Watercolor 1 – 2 p.m.

Eau Gallie Library 1521 Pineapple Ave. Melbourne, 800-963-5337

AUG. 15

Bob Ross Style Beginners Oil Painting 1 – 5 p.m. Learn how to paint

landscapes with Hobo Bob. Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-549-9893

AUG. 17

Golf Tournament

8 a.m.

Fundraiser for GenerationRising.

Rockledge Country Club 1591 S. Fiske Blvd. Rockledge, 321-292-4358

Restoring our Lagoon: Past, Current and Future Efforts Presentation at 9 a.m. followed by a boat ride. Lutheran Church of the Resurrection 525 Minutemen Causeway Cocoa Beach, 321-783-0852

Paws and Plants

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

All proceeds benefit the LowRider Dachshund Rescue. Dirty Oar Beer Company 329 King Street Cocoa Village, 321-305-4584

Eau Gallie Ukulele Society 10:30 a.m. – noon All levels are welcome. Eau Gallie Library 1521 Pineapple Ave. Melbourne, 800-963-5337

AUG. 21

SHINE

9 a.m. – noon Medicare and health insurance assistance. Eau Gallie Library 1521 Pineapple Ave. 800-963-5337

Upcoming Trips

Viking Cruise Night — Cocoa Village Playhouse Monday, Aug. 19, 5 - 7 p.m. RSVP 321-631-8080 by Aug.12.

Elliott Museum — Tuesday, Oct. 8 - $116

We will start off with guided tour of the first floor Smithsonian Waterways Exhibit, then lunch on the property, if you like a real Philly cheesesteak, you will like this! After lunch, check out the car exhibit — Derek Jeter from Kalamazoo to the museum, one of the largest collections of Jeter memorabilia. Minimum of 35 needed for this trip, deadline Sept. 10.

Annual Key West Holiday Trip — Dec. 1- 4

$817pp based on double and $1,170 for single — join us for our 18th annual trip to Key West. Signups have begun, deposit of $100 pp by June 1, and final by Oct. 1.

Voyager of the Seas Transatlantic sailing from Port Canaveral to Barcelona — May 3-16, 2025. Balcony staterooms include a complimentary specialty dining for two.

Scottish Highlands and Islands — May 10-23, 2025

Join Jean as we are headed to Scotland for an immersive two- week trip from top to bottom. Deposit is $250 per person plus travel protection.

SCHOOLNews

Traffic light will be added in 2025 at Viera Middle School

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Motorists will have to wait until the start of the 2025 school year before a traffic signal will be operating at Stadium Parkway and Veterans Way, in front of the new Viera Middle School.

Starting on the first day of school on Aug 12, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office deputies initially will handle traffic at the new school, according to Susan Hann, the assistant superintendent, facilities services for Brevard Public Schools. BCSO is working with the middle school and adjacent Viera High School on the initial traffic management plan, she stated.

“The traffic circulation plan for the middle school site is designed to efficiently move traffic through the site, with a relatively long car drop-off/pick-up lane on site and bus drop-off from Lake Andrew Drive,” Hann stated in an email.

Last October, the Brevard County School Board approved an interlocal agreement with the Brevard County Commission through which the county will contribute $400,000 toward the cost of installing a traffic light and the addition of turn lanes to Veterans Way once construction is complete. The county also will take over operation and maintenance responsibilities for the traffic light and intersection improvements.

In April, the school board approved a change order from Viera Middle School developer Wharton Smith, Inc., for an additional $286,481.83 for intersection improvements at Stadium Parkway and Veterans Way and a left turn lane at Lake Andrew Drive at Viera Middle School. Brevard County had requested the improvements through the permitting process.

The county's share of the change order is $150,705.05, with the

balance of its contribution partially funding the traffic light installation. Brevard Public Schools’ share of $135,776.78 will be funded through a local option gas-tax rebate portion of the middle school project’s funding.

Hann stated that the proposed traffic signal at Viera Middle School and Veterans Way has been designed and permitted.

“The engineer is currently

reviewing the equipment that has been proposed by the contractor to ensure it meets the design specifications,” she added. Equipment has been ordered and the expected lead time is six to 12 months, Hann stated. “We anticipate receiving the equipment in time to start/ finish construction during summer of 2025, with the traffic signal operational for the start of school in August

2025,” Hann stated. Parents will enter from Stadium Parkway to drop off and pick up their children at the middle school’s front entrance. School buses will use a back entrance off Lake Andrew Drive. Before school opens, Brevard County Traffic Engineering will be moving school zone flashers on

BY MIKE GAFFEY

School starts Aug. 12 in Brevard County, and motorists will be sharing the road again with school buses loaded with children.

It’s also a good time for drivers to remember the rules when they encounter a bus. In 2022 alone, nearly 3,000 crashes involving school buses occurred in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

“As summertime comes to a close, we have to start thinking about getting our kids to and from school safely,” Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said. “Regardless if your kid rides the bus, walks or bicycles, the most important thing for us is to make sure they arrive safely and return home safely.”

Drivers in Florida are required to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and STOP arms extended, the FLHSMV stated. Motorists should leave a good stopping distance between their vehicle and the bus so the driver can safely slow down and park at a bus stop.

Caution, know the rules for sharing the road with school buses

All motorists moving in either direction on a twoway street must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children and the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.

On a highway divided by a paved median, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children and the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.

The only time traffic approaching an oncoming school bus does not need to stop is if there is a raised barrier such as a concrete divider.

Penalties for passing a TRAFFIC LIGHT

Continued on page 28 SCHOOL BUSES

On a highway divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide, drivers moving in the opposite direction do not have to stop for the bus. Painted lines or pavement markings are not considered barriers. However, these motorists should slow down and watch for students loading or unloading from the bus.

Continued on page 36

VIERA VOICE Steven Hollinger

The intersection of Stadium Parkway and Veterans Way will have a traffic light in 2025.

VIERA VOICE Steven Hollinger

School buses will be back on Brevard County roads starting Aug. 12, the first day of school.

“It’s important to me that this organization is supporting me with this generous scholarship.”

— Marisa Ricks, scholarship recipient

MOAACC scholarships fulfill dreams for lucky students

BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN

The Military Officers Association of America Cape Canaveral Chapter (MOAACC) has awarded scholarships to hard-working college students related to MOAACC members for 40 years. This year, 11 students received $7,000 dollars each — the highest amount in MOAACC history.

Members of MOAACC have donated well over $1,000,000 to the organization, and the scholarship money comes from the interest accrued from those donations.

“We have an unusual legacy in that this whole thing is entirely funded by donations from members of MOAACC,” said MOAACC's Treasurer Brent Baysinger.

MOAACC’s scholarship selection committee chose the 11 winners from a group of around 30 applicants. The committee has high standards for grades and character. Applicants must prove themselves in college, and those in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors are favored.

“Our standards are maintained and duplicated,” MOAACC scholarship board president Wayne Justice said, “and we’ve got some incredible winners.”

Marisa Ricks is one of the scholarship winners. Ricks will be a sophomore at the University of Florida later this month. She is majoring in Biology and on track to become a primary care pediatrician. The MOAACC scholarship will help Ricks pay for medical school.

“It’s important to me

that this organization is supporting me with this generous scholarship,” Ricks said.

The scholarship has also been awarded to Daniel Weaver, a junior at Christopher Newport University. Weaver is not the first in his family to receive the scholarship; his brother, Stephen Weaver, received it in 2018.

“To carry on that legacy means a lot,” Weaver said.

Weaver enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17 and was deployed during what would have been his first year of college. He is now majoring in international affairs and plans to become a foreign affairs officer in the Army.

Dylan Quiroga is also a scholarship winner. Quiroga will be a sophomore at The Citadel and is majoring in mechanical engineering. He would like to become a developmental engineer in the Air Force.

“I always wanted to serve, and the money from this is going to help me with academics and future military purposes,” Quiroga said.

Emma Gradt also won the scholarship. Gradt recently graduated from Florida State University and is now moving on to the University of Florida’s graduate program for veterinary medicine. For the past year or so, Gradt has worked as a veterinary technician and done a lot of service and volunteering with animals.

“Thank you to the members of (MOAACC) for choosing me as a recipient of the scholarship,” Gradt said.

VV

Viera High graduate wins coveted FPL scholarship

BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN

As Viera High School graduate and University of Florida (UF) freshman Samantha Walsh walked onto her driveway, her family and coaches cheered for her.

Michele Murrell, the FPL external affairs manager for Brevard and Indian River counties, handed her flowers and balloons that danced in the air.

A trunk decorated with the Florida Gators mascot and Walsh’s personal pictures sat on the driveway filled with snacks and Gators

“(Walsh) really stood out in the competition this year. She’s been a part of STEM activities and the club for 10 years, so it’s really a no-brainer."

— Michele Murrell

merchandise. To her surprise, Walsh had just won Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) $20,000 Robotics

Scholarship.

“I thought I didn’t get

SCHOLARSHIP

Continued on page 35

Faith Viera Lutheran Preschool Enroll now 2024-25 School Year

A few spots still remain

Faith Viera Preschool is an accredited preschool offering a quality Christian education for children ages 2 1/2 to 5.

“The Message of the Scriptures” We invite our community to a Tuesday evening Bible Study opportunity beginning September 3rd at 7 p.m. This study will show how each book of the Bible contributes to the understanding of the whole and to the overall blessing that comes from God’s Word.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of MOAACC

The Military Officers Association of America, Cape Canaveral Chapter, awarded 11 scholarships of $7,000 each. The $77,000 was the largest amount of scholarship awards given during the organization's history.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Representatives from Florida Power & Light surprised Samantha Walsh at her home with the coveted FPL Robotics Scholarship. Walsh will begin school at the University of Florida later this month.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue Samantha Walsh received the Florida Power & Light Company’s $20,000 Robotics Scholarship.

KIDS PAGE

AUGUST 2024

Build your own spacecraft!

VIERA/SUNTREE

How would you like to be the chief engineer for an important NASA mission? In this activity, you get to design the latest and greatest satellite. Your satellite could help study things happening on Earth, take pictures of planets in our solar system, keep an eye on our sun, or even find planets elsewhere in the universe. You get to decide how to make your satellite — its all up to you.

While you are building your satellite, though, keep in mind that your satellite must have a couple of basic things:

Here’s the plan:

Container: Your satellite needs some sort of container to hold all of the gizmos together and keep its instruments safe.

Power Source: You will need something to give your satellite electricity so that it can run all of its high-tech gizmos. Solar panels or fancy batteries are two options.

Scientific Instruments: This is why you launched your satellite in the first place. Instruments can take pictures of faraway galaxies or planets right here in our Solar System, measure chemicals in Earth’s atmosphere or keep a close eye on our Sun’s activity. It’s your decision.

Communication Device: You will need some way to communicate with Earth. Antennas (shaped like dishes or poles and rods) are a good way to do this.

Orientation Finder: Make sure you have something that lets your satellite know where it’s pointed and which way is ‘up.’ Something that looks at the stars (a star tracker) or the sun (a sun tracker) would work.

The idea is to make your own satellite using whatever (safe) materials you feel like using. The only requirement is that it must have the five basic things mentioned above. Here are some ideas for what to use. They are just suggestions. Be creative and find new ways to build your satellite. You can also make your satellite edible, if you so desire.

Edible Ingredients:

• rice crispy treats

• sugar wafers

• graham crackers

• pretzels

• gummy worms/candy

• licorice twists

• frosting

• brownies

• toothpicks (don’t eat these, just use them to keep the food together.)

Non-edible Ingredients:

• juice boxes or other small boxes

• toothpicks

• chopsticks

• plastic cups and bowls

• popsicle sticks

• straws

• screws, nuts and bolts

• paperclips

• construction paper

• balloons

• CDs or DVDs

• shiny paper

• rubber bands

• sponges

• velcro

• Elmer’s glue

• tape

Artemis Academy elevates Viera Charter’s space school status

BY MIA DURAND

Viera Charter School has announced the launch of its Artemis Academy, a program designed to enhance the education of and to prepare the next generation of space and defense workers, contractors and entrepreneurs. The Academy is an expansion of Viera Charter’s communications and digital arts academy, although equally intertwined with robotics, AI use, advanced math and science, fine arts and team sports.

“Our students learn every manner of STEAM subjects, not just Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, but also Arts, which is a vital part of the human experience in all these subjects,” VCS Principal Dr. Julie Cady said. “But it all starts with and includes excellent communication skills. It’s better to be producers of content than mere consumers.”

The Artemis Academy is a legacy fulfillment of one of the school’s founders, Robert Jordan. A former project manager for the Space Shuttle program via a NASA contractor, he stayed in Brevard County and became a space and defense contractor after the final launch in 2011. Then, he watched as much of the space talent vanished from Brevard.

“We have to grow our own,’’ Jordan said. “I realized we needed

a space school. A great number of space and defense workers live in the Viera/Suntree area. We want students to have deep roots in the community. We want to be sure to keep our space and defense employees and business owners from wanting to leave the Space Coast.’’

Two years after that final shuttle launch, Viera Charter opened in 2013. Jordan still leads the private, nonprofit school’s Board of Governors. The school of choice is part of the public school system.

The Artemis Academy will thrive in a new VCS Media Center in which students will learn topics such as photography, videography and video editing. Middle school students will cycle into the Media Center on a schedule, with fourth and fifth graders making weekly visits for enrichment.

One of the goals is to increase student engagement using emerging technologies. “Imagine how a potentially dull writing assignment can become a project that students would enjoy as much as an afterschool activity of their choice,” Cady said. “It’s a game changer.” VV

Mia Durand is a rising seventh grader in Gaffey’s Dream It, Do It! Writing Club at VCS and a student in the advanced Cambridge program that feeds to Rockledge High School.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Carol-Ann Roman Viera Charter School Board of Governors Chairman Robert Jordan and Principal Dr. Julie Cady officiated graduation for Cooper and Wilson Brown, who chose to attend Rockledge High to focus on advanced writing and filmmaking editing. The Browns are Dream It, Do It! club members.

Viera/Suntreeresident,husbandandfather

Promised—Student Achievement

• 2024 English & Math All Elementary grades increased scores

• 2024 Highest Graduation Rate in 20 Years

• 2024 Gaines in Biology, History, and Civics Promised Expansion of Trade Programs

• Brought Back On the Job Training

• Created Largest Student Jobs Program in US

• Created 1st Aviation Program in U.S.A. at EGHS

• Created Welding Trades Program at Astronaut Promised — Keeping our Students/Staff Safe

• Provided a $51 Million Increase in Security

As a happily married husband and father who lives in the Viera/Suntree community, I promise to stay committed to

• Delivering Student Achievement

• Attract/Retain Quality Teachers

• Fiscal Responsibility

• Supporting Parental Choice

• Highest Security For Our Schools

• Founded Construction Trades Program at Viera High

• Founded Nursing Trades Program at Viera High

• Expanded Elementary and Middle School Sports

• Added 58 Student Resource Officers & Security Specialists

• Added two K 9 Units

• Passed Zero Tolerance Discipline Policy Promised Fiscal Responsibility

• Cut $42 million in wasteful spending Reduced Debt by $266 million

• Added Specifically to Viera/Suntree Schools

• 6 School Resource Officers & 6 Specialists

• Five Library Assistants

• Six STEM Specialist Positions

• Mental Health Counselors & Social Workers

New Viera Middle School

Viera Middle School rooting for vegetable garden as Quest’s thrives

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

At Viera Middle School, native plants began sprouting before the start of the first classes for the new school.

The hope is that soon the school garden will grow vegetables.

The school’s courtyard has two raised plant beds that will serve as outdoor classrooms for up to 60 students, said Matt Susin, Brevard County School Board member for District 4. The school plans to grow native plants and farmto-table fruits and vegetables.

“The idea is to remind kids where the vegetables come from,” Susin said.

It will be similar to what other Brevard County schools are already doing.

At Quest Elementary School, seeds of learning thrive along with veggie seeds.

The school’s Learning Garden, organized by the S.T.E.M. and LEAF Club, involves students and staff of the 600-plus student school in Viera.

Forty-two four-by-four raised garden beds, one for each classroom, grow with a variety of plants. While individual classrooms care for their own beds, the garden club, composed of 22 students

in grades four to six, offer additional support.

Although fifth-grade teacher Erika Beagle kickstarted the garden project by writing a grant proposal funded by the Florida Agriculture in the Classroom program, Beagle credits the students, as well as community volunteers and inkind support from sponsors such as Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Stifel, Costco, Discovery Life Church, Gleaners Give and

Grow and Quest’s PTO and SAC for making the idea a reality.

“Students did research on school gardens, the tools and the cost and put a proposal to the administration, and more than 50 volunteers came to the first Dig Day to lay out the garden,” Beagle said.

Beagle hopes community support continues for the next Dig Day, scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. Many hands are needed to pull

weeds, donate soil and mulch and rebuild garden beds gone fallow during the summer.

When school ends, students collect the seeds to be planted next term. Any veggies that grow during the summer are happily harvested by office and custodial staff.

The garden incorporates an outdoor classroom, complete with flower-themed picnic tables painted by Beagle and art teacher Kimberly Haggard and Quest’s Advanced Art

Club. Educators extend classes into the garden to discuss concepts in math, reading, science, critical thinking, environmental stewardship, healthy lifestyle choices and physical activity.

A sensory walking path, together with benches built by former Quest student and Girl Scouts Gold Award recipient Leila Rollins, provides a quiet place where guidance counselors can help students decompress.

Student Jayden Flick is so enamored of the garden that he wants a career in the field, as it were.

“It has helped me understand plants and the processes behind their seeding and growth, which has been amazing,” Flick said.

“It has inspired me to be a farmer!”

As the student body grows, so will the garden, with additional beds added as needed. Quest’s afterschool program will also have dedicated space. A pollinator space, hydroponic components and food tastings are also in the works, as is a farmers’ market that will help nurture entrepreneurial skills.

“It’s a growing culture,” Beagle said. VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Anita Unrath, left, admires the native plants growing in the new Viera Middle School courtyard. The Quest Community Learning Garden at Quest Elementary School has been a popular project.

Local youth partner with Daily Bread to serve families in need

BY HAYLEY POWER

Local youth from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in a three-day youth conference focused on community service.

As part of the event, the youth volunteered at Daily Bread, a local nonprofit organization, to sort food donations and take inventory of items.

Tim Alexander, a youth leader, highlighted the unique aspect of the conference.

"These are youth from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participating in our annual

youth conference,” he said. “It's not like the adults have planned it, but all the youth have planned it because they want to serve the community with their idea and their passion. They love to serve and get their hands dirty, truly embodying the theme of our conference: 'I will go and do even the hard things, whatever I'm asked to do, that will bless the lives of others.’”

Daily Bread has been a cornerstone in Brevard County for 30 years, ensuring that no one faces hunger or homelessness alone. Founded by Diane and Bob Hayward, the organization began with

a simple vision of feeding their neighbors. Their dining facility, which opened on Jan. 25, 1988 in a small red and white house in downtown Melbourne, initially served 14 individuals. Today, Daily Bread provides meals to 200 to 250 hungry and homeless neighbors each day and offers a range of services, including healthcare, case management, employment, transitional and social support services.

The youth are excited and passionate about giving

back to their community, and helping out at Daily Bread is just one example of their involvement.

Jaina Farias, a student at Viera High School, shared, "I feel like I'm really serving a purpose here and helping out everybody who doesn't have a home or access to food. I just feel really happy doing this."

Sadie Van Tassell from the church’s Viera Second Ward expressed her enthusiasm at participating in the service project. "Serving others always makes me happy, and I am excited to be part of this opportunity,” she said.

Guy Goepferg, who will be a freshman at Viera High School next year, said he loves serving the community.

“I'm really glad that I'm helping people get back on their feet. They really need this help,” he said.

Others also said they were pleased to participate in the event. Lyon Graves and Sami Nelson, both students at Viera High School, took part in helping out at Daily Bread.

"I think it's a good thing to serve others. Serving the community is really important to me,’ Graves said.

"Serving the community has always been a big part

“They

love to serve and get their hands dirty, truly embodying the theme

of our conference: 'I will go and do even the hard things, whatever I'm asked to do, that will bless the lives of others.”

— Tim Alexander

of my life,” Nelson said. “ I've been doing it since I could walk and talk and really move stuff around. It brings me joy to help people because I know a lot of people struggle and are less fortunate than I am. It really gives me joy that I can give my time and give back to them."

The youth conference and service event at Daily Bread exemplify the commitment of these young individuals to their community, demonstrating their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. VV

VIERA VOICE Hayley Power

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints youth serve by sorting food at the Daily Bread.

Eagle Scout Project honors true heroes of the United States

BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN

With pride and welldeserved aplomb, 14-yearold Hayden Parkhurst of Boy Scouts Troop 224 pulled the sheet off of his Eagle Scout Project at Pavilion 4 at Wickham Park on July 1.

What was hidden under the sheet was Parkhurst’s Hero’s Monument, a structure built to honor first responders, law enforcement, firefighters and all military branches.

“I wanted to honor our present, future and past heroes that served our country and served our daily community,” Parkhurst said.

Parkhurst also wanted his project to tie into the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, which has been displayed once a year at Wickham Park.

The Hero’s Monument is painted light blue and has three walls made of concrete blocks. A large plaque with a message about the people the monument is honoring is on the center wall. The walls display emblems and insignias for first responders, law enforcement, firefighters and each branch of the military. On the back of the monument is a beautiful mural by Tori Ramirez of soldiers saluting the U.S. flag.

The monument took about six weeks and $5,000 to build. Parkhurst received donations from the

“I wanted to honor our present, future and past heroes that served our country and served our daily community.”

— Hayden Parkhurst

community for this project, as well as help from many local companies.

“The degree of organization and coordination that (Parkhurst) put into (the project) is outstanding,” Troop 224 Scoutmaster Terrence O’Neal said. “I’m very proud of him, and I think he’s going to go on to do great things.”

The dedication of the Hero’s Monument began with a flag ceremony by the Civil Air Patrol. Then, Troop 224 Assistant Scoutmaster Paul Pizzutillo read a poem about heroes. Parkhurst said a few words about his inspiration for the project, then, the monument was revealed.

Representatives from Melbourne’s fire station and police department were in attendance, including Police Commander Mark Renkens.

Renkens said, “We live in a great country because of people like Hayden, who has done a phenomenal job with his presentation and the memorial that he built.” VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Hayden Parkhurst, 14, spent about six weeks building a monument to honor military branches, first responders and all law enforcement for his Eagle Scout project. Police and fire fighters were present for the unveiling of the monument at Wickham Park.

Bubba’s back home at sea after long rehabilitation

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Bubba the loggerhead sea turtle had a going-away party July 10 in Cocoa Beach, and more than 200 people turned out to give the rehabbed, 375-pluspound reptile a super sendoff by the seashore.

As onlookers shot photos and video on their camera phones, staff and volunteers from Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center in Viera unloaded Bubba from a vehicle and placed him at the shoreline at Lori Wilson Park at 1500 N. Atlantic Ave. Poor weather had delayed Bubba’s release by a day.

The loggerhead, which is missing its front left flipper after a likely shark attack, turned away briefly from the water’s edge and had to be redirected by healing center coordinator Jess Patterson.

“He was very interested in turning around so I had to get in and intervene a little bit,” Patterson said. “And then he swam back out and it was absolutely beautiful. For about a minute we were waiting to see if he would come up and take a breath and then right in the middle, in front of everybody who was here, he took a giant breath and his big old head was there and everybody got to say goodbye. It was very cool.”

Bubba spent about four months at the zoo after biologists with Inwater Research found the injured sea turtle in waters off St. Lucie County.

A preliminary exam revealed that both of Bubba’s front flippers had been injured, and the sea turtle was anemic due to an infestation of marine leeches, Patterson said.

Nicknamed Bubba by staffers because of his hefty size, the sea turtle received antibiotics, regular wound cleanings and cold laser therapy on his front flippers.

“... in front of everybody who was here, he took a giant breath and his big old head was there and everybody got to say goodbye.” — Jess Patterson

A freshwater bath got rid of the marine leeches.

To help boost Bubba’s red blood cell count to healthy levels, staff and volunteers provided him with extra iron and lots of clams, which are also high in iron, Patterson said.

Although Bubba showed no signs of internal or external tags, the healing center team estimated that the sea turtle is about 60 to 75 years old and likely a great-grandfather. As a breeding male and the team’s first – and largest – adult male loggerhead

patient, it was important to get Bubba back in the ocean, Patterson said.

“Unfortunately he came in right at the beginning of loggerhead breeding season so he missed a good portion of it,” Patterson said. “But he has just enough time to go back out there and make some babies.”

Center volunteer Debra McPherson of Satellite Beach, who cared for Bubba for four months, noted that the sea turtle’s appetite dropped just before he was released. “He wanted to go home,” she said. “He was

ready.”

Patterson liked Bubba’s survival odds, even with only three flippers.

“You’d be surprised that there are a lot of sea turtles out there that are missing one flipper,” she said. “If you think about it, their main predator is a shark and there are a lot of sharks out there and there are a lot of turtles out there. And that’s nature. They’re actually well adapted to survive with just three flippers. I would say that half of our loggerhead patients come in missing a flipper.”

Named for their large heads, loggerhead sea turtles are known for their powerful jaws and oceanspanning migrations. They’re considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and incidental captures by fisherman. Every year, loggerheads, leatherbacks and green sea turtles crawl onto Space Coast beaches to lay their clutches of eggs.

Now in its 10th year, the center has cared for more than 750 ailing sea turtles and released 227 back into the Atlantic, Patterson said. A second sea turtle healing center will be added at the new Aquarium and Conservation Center, scheduled to open in 2027 just west of Port Canaveral.

“We’ll have double the power, which is actually necessary because we have 71 miles of beach and we’re part of the largest nesting population of loggerheads in the world,” she said. “So to be able to help this giant population of sea turtles is excellent.”

Cocoa Beach resident Bethany Roberts learned about the scheduled release and rushed to the event with her boyfriend and daughter.

“I thought it was a great experience to be able to actually see it up close,” Roberts said. “He was huge. That is a huge, majestic animal. It was wonderful and educational, especially for kids.”

Although she was happy to see Bubba return to the ocean, Patterson admitted the parting was bittersweet.

“Even though that turtle is probably about two times my age, he’s still my baby,” she said. “You hope that you never see them again if you work in rehab. But you get used to their personalities and their little quirks the longer they’re in rehab. So it’s hard to say goodbye.”

VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brevard Zoo

Jess Patterson, the coordinator of the Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center, redirects loggerhead sea turtle Bubba toward the Atlantic Ocean on July 10 after the zoo team released the 375-plus-pound reptile at Lori Wilson Park. About 200 people looked on as the rehabilitated sea turtle returned to the ocean.

ScoopBUSINESS

Crossmolina community home sales underway in Viera

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Crossmolina is a newly established Viera Builders neighborhood that blends the modern with the traditional.

Viera Builders states that the architectural style in Crossmolina pays homage to time-honored designs while incorporating contemporary elements.

And that name — Crossmolina, brings great memories and holds special meaning for Scott Miller, the executive vice president of sales, marketing and community development for The Viera Company.

“Crossmolina (pronounced like Carolina) was the name of my family’s farm in Virginia, so I am very pleased to see the name utilized for Viera Builders’ newest neighborhood,” Miller said in an email.

“We really enhanced the

single-family homes and villas of Crossmolina with amenities such as a central pool with shade canopies, playground, restroom pavilion, benches and a dog park for the residents’ use and enjoyment.”

Lots and homes are now available at Crossmolina, which is the latest residential neighborhood in the master planned community of Viera.

The 314-home community in south Viera is nestled between Stadium Parkway and Pineda Boulevard, north of Gingko Drive and the Laurasia development and just east of Del Webb at Viera.

Crossmolina home prices start at $502,400 and range in size from 1,960 square feet to 3,108 square feet. No model home is open yet.

Some 73 lots are 50 feet wide by 135 feet deep, 87 lots are 60 feet wide by 135 feet deep, and another

154 lots will be for paired villas, according to Eva Rey, the senior vice president, community management & communications for The Viera Company.

“Currently everything but the paired villas are available,” Rey said in an email. “So all of the 50s and 60s are for sale. The villas have not yet been released and won’t be for a while.”

The development’s fourhome Mia Collection ranges from the one-story, twobedroom, two-and-a-half bath Morgan model starting at $502,400 to the twostory, three-bedroom, fourbath Madison II starting at $564,400.

The development’s Ellis Collection features five models with the same floor plans as nearby Pangea

Park’s Phoenix homes, but with all-new modern elevations.

Ellis models have three to four bedrooms, vary from 2,305 square feet to 3,108 square feet, and all have three-car garages. Ellis model prices start at $566,400.

With 10 man-made lakes and ponds, the community offers water views for most units.

Catalina Schreader, an associate broker with Dale Sorensen Real Estate in Rockledge, said Crossmolina has generated a lot of interest from potential buyers.

“I’m actually working with some clients for Crossmolina,” said Schreader, who already has created a “Crossmolina Friends and Neighbors!” page on Facebook. “It’s a really nice community.”

For more information, visit vierabuilders.com VV

3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center opens in Viera

BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN

3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center is now open in Viera as it anticipates a second location in downtown Melbourne.

3D held its ribbon cutting for its new location in Viera on July 9.

“We’re really looking forward to being good friends of Viera, as well as throughout Brevard and continuing to help people get better,” Dr. David Dominguez said.

A second new location is anticipated to open in downtown Melbourne later this month. 3D Sports Medicine was previously located in Satellite Beach and Indialantic. Those locations were closed. 3D Sports Medicine has

a range of services for a variety of ages. The business treats sports-related injuries.

Many of Brevard County’s high school football teams have athletic trainers from 3D Sports Medicine. The business also offers joint replacement surgeries and treats osteoarthritis.

Dominguez, Dr. Nevin Vijay and Caroline Cubero are 3D Sports Medicine’s impressive providers, each specializing in different areas.

During his undergraduate

days, Dominguez was a defensive end for the University of Florida’s football team. During his residency in San Francisco, he was the team doctor for the 49ers. 3D Sports Medicine is now the official team provider for Florida Tech Athletics.

3D Sports Medicine’s Viera location is at 640 Classic Court, #104. VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Viera Builders

Viera's Crossmolina showcases the Ellis Collection that includes the Easton II, a two-story home with four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, bonus room, flex room and a three-car garage.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Caroline Cubero, left, Dr. Nevin Vijay and Dr. David Dominguez look forward to working with clients in Viera .

LABOR/DELIVERY

continued from page 4

intensive care unit at Holmes Regional. In 2020, according to Florida Health Department statistics, 714 live births occurred at Cape Canaveral Hospital. Last year, 8,194 infants were born in Brevard County.

Boring said the unit focuses on safety and quality of care with protocols developed with input from patients, as well as Health First and Viera Hospital physicians, nurses and staff. Suites include a recliner or sleeper couch for spouses or family members, storage, television, private bath and a “Panda warmer” for the infant, a tiny bed on wheels with a warming unit.

“There’s an infant protection system so an infant can’t leave

Beginning Aug. 21 women can deliver at Viera Hospital.

the unit without its mother,” and unit access requires a call with admittance by personnel, Boring said. Badge access is required for the nursery.

Boring said future plans at the 50-acre hospital site include the addition of two operating rooms on the second floor, bringing the total to eight; as well as opening electro-physiology and cardiac laboratories within a year. The hospital’s current catheter laboratory will be upgraded. Property west of the hospital, now a grassy field, may eventually house a second tower for patient care as the Viera population is expected to double again. VV

TRAFFIC LIGHT

Continued from page 16

Stadium Parkway farther north to include the new middle school driveway, Hann stated.

Viera Middle has a golf cart loop so that parents can use golf carts to drop off or pick up their children. But there will be no golf cart parking area because middle school students aren’t old enough to legally drive the vehicles.

A connecting road will

link the middle school and Viera High School, so high school students, parents and faculty can have access to the new traffic signal as well.

“The middle school and high school parking areas are connected with a gate that can allow for adjustments once traffic patterns stabilize,” Hann stated.

Drop-off and pick-up times for the high school and middle school are different, which should help ease any traffic congestion, Hann noted. VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Viera Hospital will have state-of-the-art equipment on the fifth floor of its new wing to help mothers deliver their babies. Dustin Boring, right, watches a video of the Caracara that like to visit the ledge outside of Viera Hospital.

1. Help at a

5. In a snit 9. Weep 12. Surf’s sound 13. Is beneficial 14. Brown, e.g. 15. Drives 17. Serve to be re-served 18. Sylvester, to Tweety 19. ___ -nous

A lot

45. Pursue 48. Spell-off

49. Cut down 50. Sworn statement

56. Make known 57. Pursue 58. Spare change? 59. Meddle 60. Overly sentimental 61. Purpose

1. Escort’s offering 2. “You stink!” 3. Have something 4. Played out 5. Squabble 6. Meal source 7. Bar order

8. Museum Folkwang locale

9. Sediment 10. Completed 11. Memory unit

16. Chekhov title character

20. After-tax amount

21. Night fliers

22. Give 23. Dittography, e.g.

24. Handle 25. Congeal

28. Barely beat 30. BB’s and bullets

31. Hip 32. Reed section member 35. Stitched 38. Functioned as 42. Brewer’s need 44. Qualifying rounds 45. Fella

46. Prince of Wales, e.g.

47. Off

48. Two-wheeler

51. Small number

52. Late ___

53. Through 54. Tick off 55. Golf ball prop

The perfect companion

A few of our pick-up locations:

TITUSVILLE

Titusville Chamber of Commerce

2000 S. Washington, Titusville

MERRITT ISLAND/ COCOA BEACH

Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach

Merritt Island Public Library 1195 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Merritt Island

ROCKLEDGE

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 Florida Ave., Rockledge

VIERA/SUNTREE

One Senior Place

8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera

William A. Johnson PA 140 Interlachen Road, Suntree

Viera Discovery Center

The Avenue Viera, Unit 105, Viera MELBOURNE/ PALM BAY

Wickham Park Senior Center

2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne

Greater Palm Bay

Senior Center

1275 Culver Drive NE, Palm Bay

BEACHSIDE

55+ Club, DRS Center

1089 S. Patrick Dr., Satellite Beach

We’re beginning to see seagrass return

Many of us have lived through the algal blooms and fish kills in the Indian River Lagoon during the past 15 years. We’ve also heard about the massive die off of seagrass and the consequences of starving manatees.

The graph below summarizes this tragic story. In 2007, we had approximately 32,600 Hectares (80,000 acres or 40,000 football fields) of seagrass cover in the Indian River Lagoon (the green bars). But that carpet of life for the Indian River Lagoon began shrinking dramatically during the next 14 years until 2021.

But now, we appear to have the first confirmation that the seagrass is returning. Our restoration projects have been successful.

This is apparent in the

red circle on the graph. The green bars (based on official St Johns mapping) show an increase in seagrass of approximately 2,400 Hectares (24%) between 2021 and 2023. This measurement is supported by their biannual visual assessment (black dots and lines) showing two years on seagrass increases between 2021 and 2023.

The photograph adds personal support. Laurilee Thompson, the founder of Dixie Crossroads Restaurant, tells us: “I bought submerged IRL bottom at the southwest corner of the NASA Causeway in Titusville. Last summer, I

was thrilled to see little sprigs of Halodule and Halophila poking through the sand. Just look at what the sprigs turned into this summer! I'm so happy our Indian River Wonderland is finally showing signs of recovery.”

This spells hope that we are on the right path and need to stick with it. Of course, it’s probably not going to be a straight line and we may have additional obstacles. But, again, we need to stick with our Brevard Save Our Indian River Lagoon Plan.

Check out brevardfl.gov/ SaveOurLagoon Healing the Indian River Lagoon takes each of us. It takes all of us. It takes you and me!

For more, check out helpthelagoon.org/ and facebook.com/BIRLC/. VV

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Rev. Bailey Schreiner

The Rev. Bailey Schreiner was named the associate pastor at Suntree United Methodist Church. Schreiner is originally from Florida and graduated from the Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. After being a pastor in Brandon for three years, he moved to Brevard County to serve at Suntree United Methodist Church.

“We feel strongly that his gifts, passion and previous experience in ministry all fit extraordinarily well with Suntree’s commitment to make a positive impact in our immediate community and beyond,” Senior Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergrass said.

Schreiner will assist in progressing the church’s mission of leading and preaching.

Mavis Masuecos was honored with the American Society for Clinical Pathology’s 2024 40 Under Forty List. He is among 40 excellent professionals in the field of pathology and in medical laboratories.

Masuecos is a Laboratory Medicine and Pathology system director, leads more than 400 laboratory professionals and is a medical officer in the United States Air Force Reserves. He is part of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Association for Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine. His goal is to contribute to pathology and laboratory medicine through improving clinical operating models. In addition, he is a youth mentor and is a musician for his church’s youth.

“ASCP’s 40 Under Forty program is an opportunity to recognize the next generation of pathology and medical laboratory leaders from around the globe,” said Robert Goulart, the ASCP president. “We are very fortunate to have such a talented group of individuals — they will help to shape the future of patient care.”

Robert Beckner has been named to the board of directors of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Beckner is a principal of Melbourne commercial real estate agency Lightle Beckner Robison, Inc. and is part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Coastal Conservation Association. He was awarded the Crexi’s 2024 Platinum Broker.

Beckner is pleased to be joining the board of directors.

“This is a cause that resonates deeply with my values, and I’m grateful to be part of the mission,” Beckner said. “I look forward to ... playing an active role in developing new opportunities to combat hunger in our area.”

Robert Beckner

Mavis Masuecos

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

C ourtesy of S t. J ohns River Water Management District — Seagrass extent chart

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of BIRLC Seagrass is slowly returning to the Indian River Lagoon.

VIERA MEANS BUSINESS AMEANS BUSINES

For an invitation to the August VMB meeting, call 321-242-1235.

In July, the Viera Means Business networking group met at Sur La Table for breakfast and coffee. The Viera Means Business networking group meets at 8 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at various locations. Join business colleagues in Viera and the surrounding area to network.

VIERA MEANS BUSINESS

Everyone loved meeting at Sur La Table.

Sur La Table was the VMB Venue sponsor. McKenzie Hibbett, left, and Sarah Harris, far right, talked about their business, Team GellyBellies.

Chef Dante Barra, Store manager AJ Langford.

Brandan Payne, Suzanne Witenhafer, Adam Copenhaver

Jesse Scianno , Dustin Schiff

The staff at CDS Builders are excited about their luxurious homes.

CDS Builders are constructing beautiful homes in tree-lined streets of Aripeka.

Jeremy Taylor and Wendy Taylor

Derek Gores donated a door prize.

Seychelle Hercules-Padgett, Alexander Padgett

Eric Power

Chris Sims, Fred Smith Jeremy Taylor, Anjanette Wicks, Erikka Williams

The VMB After-Hours Edition created new camaraderie. Tannya Sims

Susan Houts, Liz Taylor

Kimberly Weatherby, Christian Vargas

Dixie Patel, Dr. Jaya Prakash

Enjoy August

Bingo Fundraiser

2 - 5 p.m. Benefit for Life Recaptured.

Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487

Space Coast Card Show

Buy, Sell, Trade

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Holiday Inn Viera

8298 N. Wickham Road

Viera Psychic Fair

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Nourish the mind, body and spirit.

Space Coast Convention Center 301 Tucker Lane Cocoa, 386-478-9198

Florida Wildlife Summer Kids Workshop 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Learn about wildlife, make crafts and meet educational ambassadors. The theme is Wildlife Rehabbers.

Florida Wildlife Hospital/ Oxbow Education Area 4560 N. Highway 1 Palm Shores 321-254-8843

Story Time at the Library

10 - 10:30 a.m. Story and take home craft. For ages up to 7 years old.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Wine on Wednesday 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Learn more about Melbourne Alumnae Panhellenic. The Wine Celler 7720 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-255-5377

Summer Splash

10 a.m. - noon The Avenue Viera 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

School Starts

Snack Table at the VA 9 - 11:30 a.m. Hosted by the VFW Aux. FL District 8 to say thank you to local veterans. VA Viera 2900 Veterans Way Viera, 321-637-3788

Bingo 2 - 3:30 p.m.

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Tuesday Trivia

4 - 6 p.m.

Family-friendly trivia, free to play.

Pizza Gallery 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera 321-633-0397

Downsizing Luncheon

11 a.m.

A chef-prepared lunch and the downsizing process. Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge 321-252-1221

1 2 3

Sit and Get Fit

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-7549

Good Morning Space Coast

7:30 a.m.

National Day of Commuy Service

Presented by the Melbourne Regional Chamber 301 Tucker Lane Cocoa, 321-724-5400 Viera Park Market & Food Trucks 4 - 8 p.m. Viera Regional Park 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera 321-759-3713

Suds for Support 6 - 11:45 p.m. Benefit for St. Francis. World of Beer 2290 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-269-4240

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Movie Matinee

2 p.m. Sponsored by Rhodes Law, PA RSVP required. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Grand Opening Celebration 2 - 6 p.m.

Grand opening of Grand Villa of Palm Bay; meet the team and enjoy complimentary appetizers, wine, champagne and live entertainment.

Grand Villa of Palm Bay 3490 Gran Ave., NE Palm Bay, 321-312-4555

Designer Purse Bingo 5:30 p.m. Benefit for children and families in need.

Play for a chance to win designer purses. Springs of Suntree 8300 Holiday Springs Road Suntree, 321-272-8810

Viera East Farmers Market

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Woodside Park 1705 Crane Creek Blvd. Viera, Facebook.com/ VEfarmersmarket

Men on Fire 2024

6 p.m.

A benefit for the SPCA. Holiday Inn Viera

8298 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-567-3615

Flick-n-Float: "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" 7 - 10:30 p.m. McLarty Park 790 Barton Blvd. Rockledge 321-633-1874

Timeless Classics

7 p.m.

Presented by the BSO Suntree United 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-242-2219

SCR Youth Series Track Race

8:45 a.m. Races for kids under 12. Viera High School spacecoastrunners.org

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Beatles Tribute Concert

2 - 4 p.m.

Presented by the Space Coast Parrot Head Club and benefiting the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Heritage Isle Clubhouse 6800 Legacy Blvd. Viera SpacecoastParrotHeads. com

Bone Builders 9:30 - 11 a.m. Gentle exercises using light hand weights. Central Brevard Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-806-3796

Estate Planning Seminar 10 a.m. Presented by elder law attorney William A. Johnson, PA Must RSVP One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Free Liver Scans

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Estate and Medicaid Planning Seminar

10 a.m. Presented by Rhodes Law, PA One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Sit and Get Fit 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Martin Andersen 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-7549

Americo in Florida

7 p.m. Exclusive launch of TRE4 Cigar. Special Guest— David Ortiz, Baseball Hall of Famer. Fairway Cigar Lounge 6729 Colonnade Ave. #108 Viera, 321-338-7270

Saturday Night Dance Second and fourth Saturday 7 - 10 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-631-7549

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Space Coast Cars and Motorcycles

3 - 7 p.m.

Urban Prime Marketplace 2435 Metfield Drive Viera, 201-658-2004

Scottish Country Dancing

6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

SCHOLARSHIP

Continued from page 19

it because I haven’t heard anything,” Walsh said.

In order to be the sole winner of this scholarship in the state of Florida, a student must participate in FIRST Robotics for more than two years, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, major in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM), be an FPL customer and be accepted to an accredited four-year college or university. There was no question as to whether or not Walsh was qualified for the scholarship.

“(Walsh) really stood out in the competition this year. She’s been a part of STEM activities and the club for 10 years, so it’s really a no-brainer,” Murrell said.

Walsh is looking forward to exploring the field of computer science at UF.

“UF has a lot of resources, so I hope to continue working with robotics and computer science,” Walsh said.

Walsh will use this scholarship for everything that her Bright Futures scholarship does not cover, such as housing. She will receive $5,000 each year for the next four years.

“I’m really grateful because (this scholarship) means that I’m basically going to college for free,” Walsh said. VV

BY ELAINE MOODY

Cucumbers, tomatoes, lime and cilantro are so good for you. It is probably one of the most refreshing and healthy salads you will try this summer.

Did you know that cucumbers are low in calories but rich in vitamins C, K, magnesium, potassium and manganese? Because cucumbers are high in electrolyte potassium, they could help lower your blood pressure and blood sugar.

Tomatoes are considered a fruit but most of us think of them as a vegetable. They too, are full of good vitamins, such as vitamins A and E and a good source of fiber. The brighter red the skin of the tomato

Viera Cookbook

is, the higher the count of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Cilantro is good for gut health and full of vitamins

A and E, which act as antioxidants.

Lime is rich in vitamin C and provides a boost to the immune system and

enhances iron absorption.

Because these ingredients are mostly water, they help hydrate your skin.

Let me share this refreshing and healthy salad to enjoy with your meals this summer.

For this salad, I use only fresh vegetables, so there are no artificial ingredients or additives.

This cucumber salad pairs especially well with grilled meats and most side dishes. It also makes a great topping for tossed salad.

Ingredients:

One large cucumber

Two vine ripe tomatoes

3 to 4 fresh Cilantro sprigs Feta cheese, crumbled

SCHOOL BUSES

Continued from page 16

Salt and pepper

Juice from a fresh lime ¼ cup olive oil

Dice a large cucumber (remove seeds if you prefer) and place in a mixing bowl. Next, dice two medium vine ripe tomatoes, chop several sprigs of fresh cilantro and add to cucumber. Mix the juice from a fresh lime, a quarter cup of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the cucumber mixture and stir well. Transfer to your favorite serving bowl and top with crumbled feta cheese.

Place any leftover salad in a covered dish, which should stay fresh for several days. Serves four to six. VV

stopped school bus include a moving violation subject to citation; a requirement to complete a basic Driver Improvement Course upon conviction; and four points on a motorist’s driver’s license.

the bus in a safe place away from the road and should never sit on the roadway or curb during their wait. They should know their bus number and bus driver’s name.

“... the most important thing for us is to make sure (children) arrive safely and return home safely.” — Brevard County

The minimum fine is $265, but if a driver passes on the side where children enter and exit a school bus, that driver faces a minimum fine of $465.

Penalties for passing a stopped school bus that causes or results in serious bodily injury or death of another person include serving 120 community service hours in a trauma center or hospital; participating in a victim’s impact panel session, or if such a panel does not exist, attending a FLHSMV-approved driver improvement course; six points on a motorist’s driver’s license; suspension of license for a minimum of one year, and a $1,500 fine.

Parents are encouraged to review safety tips with their children to make sure they are safe on and around school buses and school zones.

The FLHSMV also has bus safety tips for parents and children. Students should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

Children should wait for

Sheriff Wayne

Ivey

Young bus riders should never walk behind a bus and should stay away from its wheels. When the bus stops, children should wait for the driver’s signal that it’s safe to cross the road or board the bus.

Children should look both ways before crossing the street, looking left, right and left again. They should make eye contact to make sure the bus driver can see them as they cross the street.

On the bus, children should remain seated at all times, keep the aisle clear and not to put their head, hands or arms out the window. Riders should remain silent when the bus comes to a railroad crossing so the driver can hear if a train is approaching. And kids should avoid any loud or disruptive behavior that could distract the bus driver.

Children should never talk to strangers at the bus stop or get in a stranger’s vehicle.

“Students deserve to make it to and from school safely,” said Michele Harris, Florida Public Affairs director for AAA — The Auto Club Group. “Stay vigilant, obey speed limit laws and keep your eyes, hands and mind fully focused on the task of driving.” VV

VIERA VOICE Elaine Moody

dishes.

Left: Line dancing with the Godly Girls at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera.

Right: Card enthusiasts flock to the Space Coast Card Show in Viera.

Habitat Women Build home will bring the joy of hosting

BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN

With the help of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build, Florence LaJoie is going to be a homeowner. LaJoie is “excited — really excited” for homeownership.

“I want a forever home,” LaJoie said.

LaJoie and her son moved to Florida in 1986 and lived with her older sister. For years, LaJoie worked a minimum wage job as she focused on her son’s education. Her dedication to his education paid off, and her son now lives in Georgia with his wife and two children and buys and sells houses for a living.

LaJoie’s house will be

built through Women Build, a program of Habitat for Humanity that is focused on empowering women.

Steve Bruch, Habitat for Humanity’s director of development, said Women Build is an “action statement.”

“It’s about women getting together,” Bruch said.

The groundbreaking ceremony for LaJoie’s home, which will be on Kentucky Avenue in Rockledge, was May 10, though the construction has not yet been in full swing.

LaJoie recently looked at floorplans for her home.

In terms of a wishlist for her new home, LaJoie’s only wish is a washer and a dryer. She currently has a washing machine, but no

dryer. LaJoie also wouldn’t mind a nice surprise.

“Anything they can surprise me with — that would be perfect,” she said.

LaJoie has been renting for 12 years and has been in the Habitat for Humanity program for five years.

She is more than ready to have “a place to call (her) own.”

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“If I want to paint the wall pink or purple or polka dot, I can do it,” LaJoie said. She will not actually be painting polka dots on the walls of her new home — but, if she wanted to, she could.

LaJoie has already started building her sweat equity by working on other Habitat for Humanity

Solution, page 35

homes. She has helped nail boards to the framework of houses, worked with itchy fiberglass and painted the outside of homes.

LaJoie is eager to shed some sweat while working on her own home. Her family would also like to “help nail up a board or two.” However, Women Build does not work on the weekend, which is the only time her family can make the trip.

LaJoie is looking forward to hosting her family and hopes to be moved into her new home by Christmas.

“You have worked so hard to be here,” Habitat Board Secretary Stacy-Anne Zeller said to LaJoie, “... and

we want you to know that your community is so very proud of you.” VV

Puzzle on page 28

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Florence LaJoie, right, is extremely happy to soon be moving into her own home

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Florence LaJoie, center, is surrounded by officials from Habitat for Humanity and the City of Rockledge as they break ground for the construction of her home.

Making change happen depends on everyone’s

With the Plastic-Free Ecochallenge in full swing, it is easy to see that habits are formed from the practice of what was once an idea.

The principle of the challenge is based on the premise that “more information and improved awareness (alone) are clearly not enough to change people’s behaviors,” according to Ecochallenge. org. Everyday action is what flexes the muscle of change. When my change is added to your change, we see how individual behaviors become collective action and can transform communities and build the world we want.

The 14 of us on a team packaged with another 142 teams can work toward the goal of less pollution, less waste, more recycling and healthier routines.

For more than two decades, Ecochallenge has been inspiring people to take responsibility for the Earth through education. Besides the multiple challenges they organize, they also have created discussion courses to bring people together to discuss relevant topics, reflect and incorporate actions into their daily routines.

Recycle Brevard

The topic of the courses ranges from simplicity to food systems, bringing in different perspectives through a collection of essays that are reviewed and discussed during each session.

The first course I took was Choices for Sustainable Living, which was part of the Sustainable Floridians program organized by the local University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS) Extension. That was back in 2014. Our group is still in touch and continues to make strides in helping the community through different initiatives.

After that, Recycle Brevard organized a few courses. This fall, from Oct. 3 to Nov. 21, Recycle Brevard will offer a course titled Reconnecting with Earth at the Brevard Zoo. The course will help participants explore how cultural beliefs and personal values affect the way the Earth is viewed.

For Sale • Wanted • Senior Services Employment • Real Estate • Rentals and more Call today 321-242-1235

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Where veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® healthcare products for dogs, cats, and horses. Amber Acres Feed 321-632-3333 ~ happyjackinc.com

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No license required. If you have a kind heart, clean-driving record and a clear background, this could be the dignified, rewarding, lowstress opportunity you’ve been looking for. Viera, FL 32940 ~ Call 321-253-6336

“Small

acts,

when multiplied

by millions of

people, can transform the world.” — Howard Zinn

The list of topics that will be covered and a preview of the first chapter of the book can be downloaded from ecochallenge.org/ media/documents/RE_-_ First_Session.pdf.

The course will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. for seven Thursdays. Anyone interested can register at

reconnectingwithearth. eventbrite.com

Through these courses, not only do we learn more about the topic itself, but also about each other’s experiences. It is a great way to meet like-minded people and bring members of the community together. And together, we can make

change happen. VV

Email Marcia at Marcia@RecycleBrevard. org . Recycle Brevard is an independent nonprofit organization 100% run by volunteers focused on reducing waste and promoting sustainable living.